The process of aging newly manufactured spirit in oak barrels and then storing the mixture in a storehouse for an extended period produces whisky. Scotch, in particular, requires a minimum of three years (and usually more) of aging in oak barrels from freshly made malt spirit. Let’s examine it more closely.
After distillation, the spirit exits the still as new-made whisky, which is transparent and colorless. It has fragrant qualities and is typically 68% alcohol. Whisky gets its color and most of its flavor from wood. However, the whisky is affected by the new make flavor. For instance, the original distillation imparts a peat taste to the whisky. The use of a barrel that had previously held a peaty whisky could impart some of that flavor to the whisky. However, peat taste is mostly introduced to whisky through the distillate.
It used to be that only those employed at distilleries could drink newly made whisky. Maybe someone’s kitchen was the lucky recipient of that stray bottle. However, that was solely for the sake of cleaning. It is understood.
It was widely believed that the spirit needed a few years in a barrel before it could be enjoyed. The fresh make, right from the studio, was unbearably harsh. Some people thought that, though. New made whisky is currently seeing a surge in popularity. The geek community, who often sample it on distillery tours, is largely responsible for its acclaim.
You may taste the distillery’s DNA while drinking new creations. A whisky’s flavor develops as it ages. As a result, sampling a distillery’s new batch might provide insight into the spirit’s personality. The character of a young whisky might be hinted at by its new make spirit.
Quite a few recently established distilleries are peddling whiskies. Naturally, there is a pragmatic rationale. A fresh coat of paint gives them more pep to sell. The distillery would have to wait a long time before they can begin selling whisky if this doesn’t happen. A lot of people are interested in trying new made whisky as several new distilleries are popping up every year.
At Bimber Distillery, fresh whisky is poured off the spirit stills following distillation. At Bimber Distillery, fresh whisky is poured off the spirit stills following distillation.
Why You Should Buy New Make Whiskey
You might want to think about getting some new-make whisky for a few reasons:
- New distilleries are supported by the purchase of new make spirit. A huge sum of money is required to launch a new distillery. A wonderful approach to help a new company is to purchase new make from a newly established distillery. It also gives you a hint as to the flavor profile their future whisky could have.
- It can broaden your knowledge of whisky. A good way to get a feel for a distillery’s flavor profile is to purchase its latest releases. Especially for distilleries that use a wide variety of cask finishes, this is the case. You can compare the new make to the other expressions side by side.
- You can find some delicious artisanal whiskies. This, maybe, ought to have been the initial justification. Delicious new recipes are possible. But don’t just take my word for it; give it a go and see what happens.
Stores That Have New Make Whiskey
Direct purchases from small, independent distilleries are the finest way to get newly made whiskey. New made spirit will probably have a greater quality. This is also a fantastic method to help out young distilleries who are trying to make a name for themselves before their aged whisky is ready to sell. Keep an eye out for new distilleries; it’s even better if they’re close by; inquire as to whether or not they sell whiskey from their latest batch.
Is It Possible to Make My Whisky in the UK?
Legally speaking, no. It is necessary to obtain a license from the UK government to lawfully distill alcohol and develop new spirits in the UK. However, one can still safely try out different kinds of homemade spirits in the comfort of their own home. An alternative to distilling freshly made whisky is to age it in tiny batches for experimental purposes.
A tiny oak barrel, some new make spirit (sometimes known as “white dog”), and a few bottles of whisky can be yours to age at your leisure. You can expect to receive instructions with the oak barrel. To achieve a watertight seal, one typically fills the barrel with warm water and allows the oak staves to soak up some of the liquid. The staves will expand slightly as they absorb water, sealing any tiny spaces between them and making the structure impermeable.
Once you have an oak barrel, you may add a new homemade spirit to it. Whisky aged in a home barrel will mature in a matter of months, if not weeks, due to the small size of the barrel you’ll be using. By sampling your cask regularly, you may observe how your new-made spirit develops into whisky. Your home experiment has one advantage!
Additional FAQs
What Sets Aged Whiskey Apart From New-make Whiskey?
The time spent aging is the main differentiator between new-make and older whiskies. Whisky that has not been matured in barrels for a long time is called new make whisky. So, unlike aged whiskey, which gains depth and smoothness via maturing, fresh make whisky is usually heavier in alcohol concentration. In contrast, aged whiskey undergoes chemical changes and interacts with the wood to generate aroma, color, and rich flavors as it matures.
What Happens to New-make Whiskey as It Ages?
The spirit is left to age in oak barrels for a designated amount of time while making new make whisky. Whisky develops its desired smells, colors, and flavors during this period when it reacts chemically with the oak. Aging also helps whisky’s harsh or raw qualities to soften, making for a more refined end product.
For What Amount of Time Must New-make Whiskey Be Aged Before It Can Be Deemed Whiskey?
Legally, new-make whiskey must mature for a certain amount of time in each country. The standard minimum aging period is three years in Scotland and other locations. Nevertheless, the time required to achieve the desired whisky style and quality can differ. To get a whisky with more nuance and character, several distilleries let it age for a lengthy time.
Is It OK to Drink a New-make Whisky or Does It Age?
It is possible to drink new-make whisky straight from the bottle, however, it is not very frequent. Try some freshly distilled whisky to savor the spirit’s unfiltered, vivid flavors before they’re transformed by ageing. Keep in mind that some palates may find the high alcohol concentration and powerful flavors of new made whisky to be too much, especially if they are used to the smoothness and balance of older whiskies.
In What Ways Will the New Make Whisky Differ From the Old?
The distillation method and the grains utilized to manufacture the whisky impart a wide variety of flavors and aromas onto the finished product. Flavors typical with new make whisky include grains, malt, fruit, flowery, and spicy undertones. Grain type, yeast strain, and distillation method are some of the variables that might affect the precise profile.
Is It Safe to Drink New-make Whisky?
The distillation process ensures that new made whisky is free of contaminants and dangerous elements, making it completely safe to consume. It is important to drink it cautiously and in moderation because of the high alcohol content. It is crucial to enjoy new made whisky responsibly since any alcoholic beverage can have detrimental health effects with excessive intake.
How Much Alcohol is in the New Whiskey?
New manufactured whiskey usually has an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 60% to 70%, though it can be higher or lower. Distillation concentrates the alcohol and flavors in the fermented mash, leading to this high alcohol level. It should be noted that aged whiskies usually have an alcohol by volume (ABV) ranging from 40% to 60%, while new-production whiskies often have a greater ABV.
New Make Whisky is Typically Made Using What Kinds of Grains?
Whisky is made from a variety of grains, some of which are malted barley, corn, rye, and wheat. A whisky’s flavor and personality are shaped in part by the grains used to make it. While corn is the primary ingredient in bourbon, malted barley is a major component in single-malt Scotch whisky.
Is It Possible to Make Cocktails With New-make Whiskey?
While matured whiskies are more commonly used as cocktail bases, new manufactured whisky can be used as well. Cocktails made with it can take on a bold new personality thanks to its high alcohol content and powerful flavors. When crafting cocktails that call for a strong and unfiltered whisky flavor, bartenders and mixologists may play around with different kinds of whisky; however, they must be careful to maintain a balanced ratio of whisky to other ingredients.
What Impact Does Distillation Have on the Flavor of Freshly Made Whisky?
New made whisky’s taste is heavily influenced by the distillation process. A variety of distillation parameters, including still type, run count, and cut points, can affect the end taste profile. Distillation is a procedure that gives spirits their unique qualities, which are enhanced as they age, by removing impurities and concentrating tastes.
Are Distilleries the Only Place I Can Buy New Make Whisky?
If you’re a whiskey connoisseur, you might be interested to know that some distilleries sell their new make whisky straight to customers. The distillery’s policies and local regulations will determine the exact availability, though. You should get in touch with the distillery or visit their website to find out if they have any new-make whisky available for purchase.
The rules and regulations that govern the production of new made whisky might differ from one nation or region to another. Things like ingredients, distillation methods, aging times, labeling, and more could be subject to different regulations depending on the jurisdiction in question. To guarantee the genuineness and quality of their products, distilleries must adhere to the relevant legislation.
Are Distilleries the Only Place I Can Buy New Make Whisky?
The components, production processes, and flavor profiles of new manufactured whisky are distinct from those of vodka and rum, among other spirits. Whisky is a complex and flavorful spirit that is usually created from grains and then matured in barrels. In contrast, vodka tastes clean and smooth since it is distilled many times from neutral liquids. Rum, which is created from sugarcane waste, can have a broad variety of flavors due to the various ways it is aged and manufactured.
Can Other Ingredients Be Added to or Infused Into New Make Whiskey?
New made whisky can be flavored or infused with other components, although it’s not as frequent as vodka or gin, which already have those flavors or infusions. The maturation process is mainly responsible for the development of the flavors in new make whisky, which are generally praised for their unfiltered and unfiltered nature. On the other hand, you could come across some experimental or niche releases that feature unusual flavorings or barrel finishes.
Is There Anything Good or Bad About Drinking New-make Whiskey for Your Health?
As with any alcoholic beverage, many adults can enjoy a moderate amount of new make whiskey as part of a healthy lifestyle. But health and safety are in danger when people drink too much or are careless with their drinking. Be mindful of your tolerance levels, any preexisting conditions, and any drug interactions when you drink sensibly.
Can You Recommend Any Well-known Distilleries or Brands of New-make Whiskey?
Whisky of exceptional quality is distilled by a great number of distilleries all around the globe. Scotch distillery Kilchoman, American Buffalo Trace, Japanese Yamazaki, and Australian Sullivan’s Cove are just a few examples. Because of their dedication to handiwork, innovative processes, and high-quality new make whiskies, these distilleries have become well-known.
In the past, only those employed by distilleries were allowed to consume fresh make. You can get your hands on it now with relative ease. To me, that sounds fantastic. It is always the most exciting part of whiskey tastings for me when they have a new make spirit.